Slid mounted lens holder with slot extensions one or multiple lenses

ABSTRACT

A lens holder includes which a bottom cover, a top cover, sliding means and clipping means for holding lens assemblies in an optical lighting system. The bottom and top covers have a plurality of slot extensions lining the interior of the two covers. The top cover clips to the bottom cover by a set of clips on each side of the top cover to a set of clip slots on each side of the bottom cover. Lens assemblies can consist of lenses assembled in a holder along with individual lenses which can slide into between slot extensions.

This application is a continuation of Ser. No. 09/035,572 filed Feb. 25,1998 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,172,822.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to assemblies of optical components,particularly lenses, which are to be precisely contained in an apparatuswith respect to each other in order to modify a beam of light. Inaddition, it relates to the modularity and interchangeability of theapparatus which will hold such assemblies. The invention is particularlyuseful in holding lens assemblies in optical projection systems in theentertainment lighting industry, and is therefore described below withgreater respect to this application.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Linearly-arranged lens assemblies have been used in many applications tomodify a beam of light. The curvature of the lens, the size of the lens,the number of lenses, distance separating lenses, and the distancebetween the beam of light and the lenses are all variables inmodification. Lens assemblies are typically secured permanently in alens holder composed of metal or plastic for placement in a system.Lenses are typically mechanically secured for by example a screw,sealant or elastic at a position in the lens holder.

The conventional way of accomplishing beam modification in an opticalsystem is to affix a lens holder at a specific location within alighting fixture. A single lens holder containing a lens or an assemblyof lenses attaches within the fixture with screws or the like along thepath of the optical axis.

In the entertainment lighting industry, the specification of aparticular lighting fixture, in many cases, may include the beam angle.The beam angle describes the rate at which the beam emanates from thefixture as it travels from the fixture toward a target. In many priorart fixtures, the beam angle can be varied automatically by mechanicalsystems that move the position of one or more of the lenses in theoptical path relative to the other lenses in the optical path. In manycases, these mechanisms can be operated automatically and/or remotely bycontrol systems that are well known. However, the costs of thesemechanical systems can be prohibitive for many applications. As a resultin many prior art fixtures, changing the beam angle available requirestools to remove the current lens holder and install a new holder. Inaddition, the fixture modularity is often limited by the single positionavailable for installing the lens holder within the fixture.

The ability to change lens systems easily and in a timely manner withina fixture would provide beam modification interchangeability to thefixture by giving the user a plurality of interchangeable lens assemblyconfigurations for use in a single fixture. Multiple positions availablefor placement of lenses and lens assemblies in a fixture would providebeam modification modularity by giving the user a fixed plurality ofpositions for lens placement.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top-side perspective view showing the modular andinterchangeable lens holder accompanied by the sliding system.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view showing the top cover and bottom when the twoparts are unclipped and lenses which can be placed in the lens holder.

FIG. 3 is a n exploded view of a lens subassembly and the lenses within.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a lens subassembly and the lenses within.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG.1 which is anillustration of a lens holder 1 which can be installed in a lightingfixture (not shown) so that its center axis 10 is intended to becolinear with the optical axis of the light fixture. The lens holder 1shown in FIG. 1 has two ports 4 and 6. One port is a light beam entryport 4 and the other is a light beam exit port 6.

In FIG. 1, a bottom cover 3 has two sets of rod hole extensions 60 and61 positioned about the bottom of the bottom cover 3 at each end of thecylinder. Each rod hole extension extends down from the exterior of thebottom cover 3 and has a rod hole 62 for receiving sliding rods 65 and66. Each sliding rod 65 and 66 slides through two rod holes 62 atopposite ends of bottom cover 3. In the embodiment shown, the rod holeextensions are at the ends of the bottom cover 3 and the two (2) slidingrods 65 and 66 extend past the length of the bottom cover 3. In otherembodiments of the invention, it might be preferable to have the rodextension positions, number of sliding rods and length of sliding rodsvary to fit within a desired fixture configuration.

In the embodiment shown, each end of each sliding rod 65 and 66 alignswith one of two (2) holes at each end of the metal driver holder 85. Thesliding rods 65 and 66, positioned in the tubular rod holes 62, areaffixed to the metal driver holder 85 with rod screws 81 driven throughthe holes in the metal driver holder and through the ends of eachsliding rod. The metal driver holder 85 is placed within the system sothat the center axis 10 of the lens holder 1 is intended to be colinearwith the optical axis of the light fixture (not shown) and the slidingrods 65 and 66 are parallel to the optical axis of the light fixture. Byusing a metal driver holder, the lens holder 1 and sliding system areassembled on a common base before placement in the fixture. However, inother embodiments of the invention the lens holder 1 and sliding systemmight be directly affixed in a fixture; or the lens holder 1 might beaffixed in a fixture without a sliding system.

In FIG. 1, a motor 80, mounted on the base of the metal driver holder85, drives a motor drive rod 78 which supports a driver screw 75. Thedriver screw 75 rotates through a driver screw holder 72. The driverscrew holder 72 is positioned within a tubular drive hole 71 bore in adriver extension 70. The driver extension 70 extends down from the baseof the bottom cover 3 at the rightmost end of the cylinder as viewed inFIG. 2. In the embodiment shown, the driver extension 70 extends fartherfrom the bottom cover 3 than the rod hole extensions 60 and 61 so thatthe motor positioning does not interfere with the bottom cover 3 or thesliding rods 65 and 66. It should be appreciated that in otherconfigurations of the invention utilizing a sliding system, the driverscrew extension might be positioned otherwise to accommodate alternatepositioning of the motor.

Motor 80 can be controlled through any known means, for example:software functions or a programmed micro-controller. For clockwise orcounterclockwise rotation of the motor 80, the motor drive rod 78 isrotated which rotates the affixed driver screw 75. As the driver screw75 rotates clockwise or counterclockwise in the driver screw holder 72,the position of the driver screw holder 72 along the driver screw 75changes. The bottom cover is driven linearly by the angular rotation ofthe driver screw 75 within the driver screw holder 72. The bottom cover3 slides along the sliding rods 65 and 66 as the driver screw 75 isrotated by the motor. When the motor is active, the bottom cover slidesalong the rods as allowed. When the motor is stopped, the bottom holderis held in position. In the embodiment shown, the movement of the lensholder 1 is linear along the center axis 10. However, in otherembodiments, it might be advantageous to assemble the sliding system fornon-linear and/or horizontal and vertical movement and use a pluralityof motors or other drive systems.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the lens holder 1 of FIG. 1. In thisembodiment of the invention the lens holder 1 has a main body 15 whichis composed of two (2) parts: a top cover 2 and the bottom cover 3. Inthe design shown, all of the components which are used to mount the lensholder 1 are attached to or part of the bottom cover 3. Since the bottomcover 3 is the part of the lens holder 1, controlled by the slidingsystem, the top cover 2 can be affixed to and unaffixed from the bottomcover 3 without affecting the sliding system. This design by which thebottom cover 3 is controlled by the sliding system while stillmaintaining interchangeability and modularity meets the objectives of animproved invention.

In the embodiment shown, the interior surface 20 of the bottom cover 3is defined by a portion of a cylinder, whose center axis is designed tobe colinear with the light beam of the center axis 10 of the lightingfixture in which the lens holder 1 is intended to be used. It should beappreciated that other shapes of lens holders are possible. In somecases it may even be desirable to have covers that are some shape otherthan tubular.

A plurality of slots 32 are defined by a plurality of slot extensions:for example slot extension 24. Each slot extension 24 extends from theinterior surface 20 of the bottom cover 3. The width of the slots isdefined by the distance between two slot extensions 24. In theembodiment shown, the slots 32 are shown to have equal widths. In otherembodiments of the invention, it might be preferable to have varyingslot widths. A particular design of what slot width configurations wouldbe most advantageous depends on the lens sets that are likely to be usedin a particular fixture as will be discussed in greater detail below.

The height of slot extension 24 defines a slot extension radius 22 aboutthe center axis 10. Since lenses will be inserted in these slots 32,typically it is desirable that the slot extension radius 22 be greaterthan an aperture radius 21. However for some lens configurations thismay not be necessary. The aperture radius 21 regulates the aperture ofthe beam of light entering the lens holder and may be larger or smallerthan the radius of the beam.

The top cover 2 also has an interior surface 18 which is complement tothe interior surface 20 of the bottom cover 3. In the embodiment shown,the interior surface 18 of the top cover 2 is also defined by a portionof a cylinder with a central axis designed to be colinear with thecenter axis 10 of the lighting fixture when the top cover 2 is in anoperational configuration: i.e. closed. Although it is not shown in FIG.2, the interior surface 18 of the top cover 2 has slots and slotextensions which match/line up with the same elements in the bottomcover 3. However in the other embodiments of the invention slots andslot extensions may be absent form either the top or bottom covers ormay not match or line up.

Therefore, when the top cover 2 clips onto the bottom cover 3, theinterior surface radius 20, the aperture radius 21 and the slotextension radius 22 are defined for the interior surface and extensionsof the lens holder 1 for both the interior of the top cover 2 and theinterior of the bottom cover 3. Lenses which are placed in the bottomcover 3 between two of the plurality of slot extensions like slot space27 will be aligned between the mirrored slot extensions of the top cover2 when the top cover 2 is clipped to the bottom cover 3.

To designate the slot space 27 between slot extensions for placement oflenses, each slot space 27 is lettered along the base of the interior ofthe bottom cover 3. For example, slot space 27 is the fourth slot spaceand would be designated as D. The top cover 2 designates the same letterfor each mirrored slot space of the bottom cover 3 and the plurality ofletters 30 corresponding to each slot space are located on the exteriorof the top cover 3. In other embodiments numbers might be used insteadof letters to designate spaces. In addition, the placement of thedesignations might differ based on the visibility of the designatorswhen the lens holder is placed in a fixture.

FIG. 2 shows a single lens 54 and a lens subassembly 55 exploded fromthe covers. The single lens 54 is an example of a single lens which fitsinto any of the slot spaces 32 available and is typically used incombination with a lens subassembly. Lens subassembly 55 is a sub lensholder which straddles a slot extension to utilize two neighboring slotspaces 32, but might be made to utilize any plurality of slot spaces inanother embodiment. The lens subassembly 55 might contain a plurality oflenses with spacers separating the lenses and holding them at exactpositions from each other. By utilizing a lens subassembly 55 with thelens holder, sets of lens are combined to obtain the desired effect,rather than using many loose single lenses 54.

Lens subassembly 55 has a holder ring 56 which has two ports. One portis entry port 58 and the other is exit port 59. A primary lens slidesinto the holder ring 56 through the exit port 59 and sits against thelip (not shown) extending from the holder ring 56 at the entry port 58.Spacers sit between the primary lenses and other lenses placed withinthe holder ring 56, not obstructing the passage of light through thelenses in the holder ring 56. Twist ring 57 twists and locks onto theexterior of holder ring 56 at the exit port 59. Twist ring 57 has a lipwhich secures the lenses and spacers within the holder ring 56. Thisembodiment of a lens assembly is flexible in that multiple assemblies oflenses might be configured to be secured within the holder ring 56, heldapart at specific distances by spacers.

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate two (2) independent lens subassemblies 86 and87 which can be placed together within the lens holder to form a widerangle lens set. Each lens assembly is formed by two halves 100 and 102.Each half mirrors the other with interior specific slots 88, 89, 90, and91 and exterior extensions 110 and 111. Specific slots can be sized tohold lenses of specific width and diameter. For example, the diameter oflens 92 is smaller than the diameter of lens 93 and lens 94 is widerthan lens 95. The ability to use lenses of varied widths and diametersis important in configuring unique sets of lens subassemblies.

Exterior extensions 110 and 111 are greater in length than the slotextension with the lens holder 1. In the illustrated embodiment, thelens assemblies 86 and 87 expand across two slots. The exteriorextensions 110 and 111 sit against the two neighboring slot extensionsin the lens holder 1 and the core of each assembly sits above the middleslot extension.

The lens subassembly embodiments shown utilize holders which hold lensesin position without any adhesives and are composed of two parts whichare not permanently affixed together. The lenses in these subassembliescould be easily replaced within each assembly holder shown. However,other lens subassemblies might be designed to be positioned within thelens holder 1 which include lenses sealed in place. Assembly holdersmight be a single piece or multiple pieces which can be permanentlyaffixed together.

While lens assemblies are designed to fit in the lens holder 1, thediameter of the lens holder 1 would be determined by the size of lensesthat would typically be used in the holder. For a small projectorutilizing the modularity and interchangeability of lens holder 1, lenseswith a relatively small diameter might be specified. For larger opticalsystems, the size of the lenses typically used in the system might berelatively large. The lens holder diameter should reflect the expecteddiameter of typical lenses to be used in the system. In addition, theslots widths of the lens holder 1 should reflect the typical widths oflenses to be used in the system.

In FIG. 2, the bottom cover 3 has clip hole extensions 35, 36, 37 and 38extending out from the exterior of the lip of the bottom cover 3. Withineach clip hole extension 35, 36, 37 and 38 are corresponding rectangularshaped clip holes 40, 41, 42 and 43. The top cover 2 has a set of clips45, 46, 47 and 48 which extend out and down from the sides of theexterior of the top cover 2. Each clip 45, 46, 47 and 48 ends in atriangle stopper like the triangle stopper 50 on clip 45. The trianglestopper 50 is almost as wide and long as clip hole 40 in clip holeextension 35.

To clip the top cover 2 onto the bottom cover 3, the triangle stopper 50at the end of each clip on top cover 2 is aligned at the mirrored clipholes of the bottom cover 3. Each triangle stopper 50 is pushed throughthe clip hole by pressing the clip towards the top cover 2. Once pushedthrough, each triangle stopper 50 is retained under the outer bottomedge of each clip hole extension. To unclip the top cover 2 from thebottom cover 3, each clip is pressed towards the top cover 2 and thenthe top cover can be pulled away from the bottom cover as each trianglestopper slips out of each clip hole. Because the main object of thepresent clipping means is an easy, reliable means of holding the coverstogether, it should be appreciated that other forms of known clippingmechanisms or fasteners might be used in other embodiments.

To aid the user in the placement of the top cover 2 onto bottom cover 3,the placement of lens subassemblies in the lens holder 1 and singlelenses 54, arrows are positioned on these typically symmetrical parts toadd a distinct directional characteristic. When placed, all the arrowson marked parts should be pointing in the same reference direction. Inthis embodiment, the reference direction for all the arrows on all partsis in the direction of the light beam exit port 6. In other embodimentsit might be preferable to change the reference direction for placementof parts.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the top cover 2 comprises a directional arrow6 in the form of a narrow triangle pointing toward the exit port 6. Thedirectional arrow 6 aids the user in correctly placing the top cover 2onto the bottom cover 3. In this embodiment, only one directional arrow6 is placed on the top cover. In other embodiments, the addition ofarrows to the exterior of top cover 2 might be preferable.

In all the embodiments of lens subassemblies shown, each lenssubassembly includes a plurality of arrows in the form of a triangleabout the exterior of the subassembly holder. Lens subassembly 55 has aplurality of arrows 51 about the holder ring 56. Lens assembly 86 and 87have a plurality of arrows 58 about the exterior of both halves 100 and102. The plurality of arrows on these lens subassemblies aid the user inplacing the lens subassemblies in the lens holder 1 so that they arefacing the correct direction.

Single lenses 54 include an arrow 7 printed on the exterior edge of eachlens. Also printed with the arrow might be an identifier of the type oflens, date made or size. For example, lens 54 is a type IV lens, whilelens 95 is a type 11 lens. For lenses that are to be placed in a lenssubassembly like lens 95, the use of arrows aids in the initialplacement of the lenses in the lens subassembly and in the replacementof any lens in the subassembly if need be.

Based on the model previously described, interchangeability of the lensholder 1 stems from the use of two parts to form the lens holder 1. Thetwo parts, the top cover 2 and the bottom cover 3, can be fastenedtogether securely and separated easily. The modularity of the lensholder 1 stems from the plurality of slot spaces available in whichlenses and lens assemblies can be placed. The lens holder 1 allowsinterchanging lenses and lens assemblies quickly and easily into aplurality of positions. More specifically, the use of quick releaseclips as fasteners provides a quick and easy way to attach and removethe top cover 2. Also, the top cover 2 with slot extensions mirroringthe bottom cover provides horizontal and vertical stability to thelenses within the lens holder. This stability is needed in theembodiment in order to maintain the lens position within the lens holderabout the center axis 10.

While embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated in theaccompanied drawings and detailed in the Detailed Description, it willbe understood that the invention is not limited to the embodimentsdisclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications andsubstitutions of parts without departing from the spirit of the presentinvention.

We claim:
 1. A lens holder comprising: a bottom cover, a top cover, aclipping means for clipping the top cover to the bottom cover, aplurality of slot extensions lining the inside surface of the bottomcover with at least one of the plurality of slot extensions along theinterior surface of the bottom cover is an aperture extension whichdetermines the largest radius of a beam of light entering the lensholder.
 2. The lens holder of claim 1 wherein a plurality of slot spacesare defined by the surface space between each of the plurality of slotextensions.
 3. The lens holder of claim 2 wherein at least one singlelens is positioned within at least one slot space, the single lens withan arrow printed on the edge to designate a reference direction, asingle lens with a type, date and size printed on the edge to designatethe lens.
 4. The lens holder of claim 2 wherein the plurality of slotspaces in the bottom cover are each designated by consecutive numbers orletters on the interior surface of the bottom cover.
 5. The lens holderof claim 2 wherein the plurality of slot spaces in the top cover areeach designated by consecutive numbers or letter on the exterior surfaceof the top cover.
 6. The lens holder of claim 2 wherein a lens assemblyholder holding at least one lens is positioned in at least one slotspace and straddling at least one slot extension when more that one slotspace is used.
 7. The lens holder of claim 6 wherein the lens assemblyholder comprises a holder ring with an entry port and an exit port, aplurality of lenses within placed within the holder ring through theexit port, a plurality of spacers between each of the plurality oflenses, a twist ring which twists onto the exit port of the holder ring,and a plurality of arrows about the exterior.
 8. The lens holder ofclaim 6 wherein the lens assembly holder comprises two halves of a tubewith a plurality of interior specific slots for holding lenses ofspecific width and a plurality of exterior extensions for positioningthe lens assembly holder between slot extensions.
 9. The lens holder ofclaim 1 wherein the top cover comprises an arrow on the exterior of thetop cover designating the reference direction.
 10. A lens holder systemcomprising: a bottom cover; a top cover; a clipping means for clippingthe top cover to the bottom cover; the bottom cover with a plurality ofslot extensions lining the interior surface; a sliding system forguiding the bottom cover for limited movement.
 11. The lens holdersystem of claim 10 further comprising: the bottom cover with at leasttwo sets of rod hole extensions extending out from the bottom of thebottom cover, a tubular rod hole bore within each rod hole extension;the bottom cover with a driver extension extending out from the bottomof the bottom cover, a driver screw holder positioned within a tubulardrive hole bore in the driver extension; a top cover with a plurality ofslot extensions lining the interior surface mirroring the plurality ofslot extensions lining the interior surface of the bottom cover.
 12. Thelens holder system of claim 11 wherein the sliding system comprises: amotor; a drive screw rotated angularly by the motor; the drive screwrotating within the driver screw holder; at least one sliding rod whichslides through the rod holes in at least one set of rod hole extensions.13. The lens holder system of claim 12 wherein the motor attaches to ametal driver holder, at least one sliding rod is attached to the metaldriver holder at both ends of each sliding rod.
 14. The lens holdersystem of claim 13 wherein the metal driver holder is placed within alight fixture.
 15. The lens holder system of claim 12 wherein the motorand sliding rods attach directly within a light fixture.